2011 Rider Statistic: Hiroshi Aoyama

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Hiroshi Aoyama finished on 10th place 2011 MotoGP championship with 98 points. Here's the full statistic from 2011 MotoGP races.

Number of start	: 17
Poles	: 0
Podium	: 7

Race Placement

Losail	: 10
Jerez	: 4
Estoril	: 7
Le Mans	: 8
Catalunya	: DNF
Silverstone	: 9
Assen	: 8
Mugello	: 11
Sachsenring	: 15
Laguna Seca	: 10
Brno	: 9
Indianapolis	: 9
Misano	: 11
Aragon	: 11
Motegi	: 9
Phillip Island	: DNF
Valencia	: 12

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pictures: Gresini Tribute Simoncelli on Valencia GP

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"Surreal atmosphere" in the San Carlo Gresini box

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The first day of practice at the Gran Premio Generali de la Comunitat Valenciana, the first without Simoncelli, was a very sad and surreal one in the Team San Carlo Honda Gresini garage.

Marco Simoncelli has left a gaping hole behind him and the feeling of sadness was tangible today. Hiroshi Aoyama is desperate to honour his team-mate in the best way possible but he struggled for grip today on a slippery track surface and eventually crashed at the end of this afternoon's wet session.

Hiroshi Aoyama:

"The conditions made life hard today and I had a crash. The grip levels weren't the best and even though I tried to find the limit it was very hard and I am not happy with the result. I hope I can be faster tomorrow and on Sunday. This is an important Grand Prix for me because it is my last in MotoGP and I am desperate to have a good race to honour Marco, who we are all missing greatly. I will try to do my best for all these reasons.”

source: motogp official

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San Carlo Honda Gresini and Gresini Moto2 will participate at Valencia

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The MotoGP and Moto2 teams run by Fausto Gresini will be present and on track this weekend at Valencia, with Hiroshi Aoyama riding in the MotoGP class and Michele Pirro and Yuki Takahashi competing in the final Moto2 race of 2011.

Team owner Fausto Gresini confirmed the participation of both teams in the final round of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship at Valencia, stating the participation of the teams will be tributes to their fallen rider Marco Simoncelli.

“The decision to participate was not an easy one, but we have made this choice as it is what Marco would have wanted,” said Gresini.

“Going out on track at Valencia is definitely the best way to honour him by doing what he most loved to do: Ride and experience the world of MotoGP. This is why I believe that the best show of affection that we can make to Marco is by lining up our teams and riders for this race.”

“‘Super Sic’ will be present in the hearts of Hiroshi Aoyama, Michele Pirro and Yuki Takahashi, and I am sure that they will give him a most fitting tribute with their performances on Sunday,” he concluded.

source: motogp official

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Aoyama pays tribute to team-mate Simoncelli

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Hiroshi Aoyama has spoken out in tribute of his Gresini Honda team-mate Marco Simoncelli following his death during the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Aoyama and Simoncelli, former rivals in the 250GP class, landed as MotoGP team-mates in 2011 after the Japanese rider switched to the Gresini squad.

Writing on his personal blog, a clearly devastated Aoyama says he is struggling to find the words to describe the situation.

“My team mate Marco crashed during the race. He was fighting hard for his life but unfortunately he passed away. I cannot think of any words to describe this tragic loss.

“He has been my rival since the 250's and since we both started in Moto GP class, I could feel the tension in between us and we were always aware of each other as rookies. And now, we have been competing in the same championship as a team mate. He is such an openhearted person, no matter where he is. I know everyone had a high expectation of him since he has been performing so well. 

“He is loved by so many people and I know why. Last week he came second and was on the podium. And this week again he was so powerful on his bike….. but why…..? How…..? That is all I can think right now.

"I would like to give my condolences to Marco's family, fans, teams and staff. Rest in peace Marco.”

With Gresini Honda considering missing the final round of the season at Valencia, Aoyama, who is already confirmed as joining Honda in the World Superbike Championship next year, may have made his last appearance at MotoGP level.

source: crash

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Warm up concludes with Stoner on top

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Casey Stoner topped the morning warm up in preparation for the Shell Advance Malaysian Grand Prix, with Pedrosa and Aoyama pacing behind the new World Champion.

Stoner (Repsol Honda) led the MotoGP field in the 20 minute warm up with a lap of 2’02.338 ahead of pole starter Dani Pedrosa who paced two tenths behind his team-mate.

Hiroshi Aoyama (San Carlo Honda Gresini), who starts the afternoon’s race from his best ever MotoGP qualifying position in seventh, lapped third behind the Repsol Hondas with second row starter Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team) fourth.

Third row starter Álvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) was fifth while Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) who starts from fourth in his best qualifying since 2008, lapped sixth fastest ahead of Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini Team).

Héctor Barberá (Mapfre Aspar) was eighth with Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) and Loris Capirossi (Pramac Racing) completing the top ten.

Ben Spies (Yamaha Factory Racing) did not participate in the session after withdrawing from the race yesterday afternoon following qualifying

source: motogp official

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Second and third row starts for Simoncelli and Aoyama

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Fifth for Marco Simoncelli and seventh for Hiroshi Aoyama in today’s qualifying session means that the duo start from the second and third row of the grid respectively in tomorrow's Shell Advance Malaysian Grand Prix.

The session was a tale of two halves for Simoncelli, who looked strong in race trim for the opening half hour but struggled somewhat on his two outings in search of a fast time. A small technical problem meant that the Italian had to qualify on his second bike, possibly costing him a place on the front row, but he is happy and confident for the race. Aoyama was a little disappointed after showing a good pace this morning and missing out on the second row by a margin of just 0.082 seconds.

Marco Simoncelli: 

“I was satisfied with our pace in the first half of the session when we were working on our race setting but not so much with the 'time attack' because just when we switched tyres I had a problem with a sensor and had to switch to my second bike, which had a different setting that I wasn't as comfortable with. I was struggling a bit and instead of staying out there I decided to come back in and try to make a small change but it didn't work out. Anyway, I am looking forward to tomorrow and feeling confident I can fight with the three guys on the front row. We just need to decide which tyre to use for the race.”

Hiroshi Aoyama: 

“I am satisfied with today even though we missed out on the second row by hundredths of a second. I have got a good feeling with the bike and I think we will run the soft tyres tomorrow. I like this track and if we can refine the setting a little in the warm-up tomorrow I am sure we can be fighting near the front in the Malaysian Grand Prix.”

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release.

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Positive start for Team San Carlo Honda Gresini at Sepang

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Team San Carlo Honda Gresini enjoyed their best opening day to a Grand Prix this season in Malaysia today as Marco Simoncelli and Hiroshi Aoyama both lapped inside the top five fastest riders.

The only downside for the team at the moment is the gap to the sensational Dani Pedrosa, who is looking unstoppable, but hopes are high for both riders tomorrow after such positive beginnings.

Marco Simoncelli: 

“We had a very positive weekend in Australia but things have been more difficult here. We improved from the morning to the afternoon but Pedrosa is like a missile. We have to have a look at our data tonight and work out how we can close the gap. As well as choosing our tyres for the race we also need to find better feeling with the front in corner entry and try to work on the electronics to get more out of the acceleration in the final section. We have work to do but I am confident.”

Hiroshi Aoyama: 

“It has been a good start and my feeling for the bike is great. I had a lot of confidence with the bike already last week at Phillip Island but the rain ruined everything. The conditions are completely different here and the track temperature is high, which gives me a better feeling for the bike. We have been able to make some interesting comparisons with the data from winter and previous races, which should help me to do well this weekend. Tomorrow we will try to improve again and secure a good starting position on Sunday's grid.”

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release.

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Simoncelli aiming to finish season in style

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Following his second place behind 2011 MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner at Phillip Island, Marco Simoncelli cannot wait to tackle the remaining two rounds of the season.

The Team San Carlo Honda Gresini rider has travelled from Australia to Malaysia in high spirits, with the podium again in his thoughts, at Sepang, a circuit which he impressed at during pre-season testing last winter. “Super Sic” knows that the sky is the limit now and he is refusing to rule out the possibility of a first ever MotoGP win before the season is out, after recording his best result in his MotoGP career last time out.

Hiroshi Aoyama endured more bad luck in Australia but he is determined to sign off from MotoGP in style in the remaining two races. At Phillip Island he was unable to back up his impressive free practice pace in qualifying or in the race due to a pair of unfortunate crashes. However, having won at Sepang twice before in the 250cc class and following on from an impressive first MotoGP appearance there last year, he is optimistic of turning his fortunes around.

Marco Simoncelli, San Carlo Honda Gresini Team

“I left Phillip Island, a circuit and place I really love, feeling very happy. I had another good race and finished second after another wonderful battle with Dovizioso, which gave me a lot of satisfaction. I had been second for the whole race so to see Andrea standing on the second step of the podium would have been hard to take. I celebrated it with my team, but I already had my mind on Malaysia. I never managed to win at Sepang in the 250cc category but I was on the podium there for my last two seasons in the intermediate class and in testing there last winter, I was really on the pace. I am sure I can do a good job this weekend. There is no reason why we can't be fighting for the podium, the top step would be even better of course, and that’s what we will be striving for in the Malaysian Grand Prix.”

Hiroshi Aoyama, San Carlo Honda Gresini Team

“The weekend in Australia didn't start too badly and after the first couple of sessions, I was looking forward to a positive race at a track where the atmosphere is always really special. Unfortunately, the weather turned and it caused me a few problems, including a heavy crash on Saturday which ended my session early and then again on Sunday, when I was caught out by the rain. It was a shame because I had promised myself I would make the most of my last few races in MotoGP and the first of the three ended in disaster. Anyway, we now go to Sepang, where I won twice in 250 and finished seventh in MotoGP last year. I like the track and I always get a good feeling there from the place and from the people.”

source: motogp official

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Simoncelli finishes Australian GP second to World Champion Stoner

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Marco Simoncelli backed up his podium potential at Phillip Island with an excellent second place finish in the Iveco Australian Grand Prix.

Uncertain weather conditions throughout and a heavy shower with just three laps remaining made for a tense finish but Simoncelli managed to overcome the late challenge of Andrea Dovizioso for the second successive race. Twenty points today lifts him to sixth in the championship, just 17 points shy of Ben Spies in fifth. Hiroshi Aoyama had put together a strong charge through the field but fell victim to the inclement conditions in the latter stages of an otherwise positive race.

Marco Simoncelli: 

“I am delighted! It was a really tough race with changeable conditions throughout and every time I saw raindrops on my visor I was unsure whether I could push or not. I managed to put a little gap on Dovizioso and Pedrosa but when the rain came Dovizioso was able to catch me and make a pass. I managed to stay with him and follow his lines so when the track was dry again on the last lap I was able to throw everything at him and make the pass. I had been second for the whole race and I didn't want to give up on it until the end. It was nice to finish directly behind the new World Champion. I feel sorry for Lorenzo and I hope he is fit and back on track again soon.”

Hiroshi Aoyama: 

“It was a difficult race because of the strong winds and the mixed conditions. I really wanted to have a good race because these are my last few races in MotoGP, but this weekend has been particularly difficult with the crash yesterday and then again today in turn nine when a sudden rain shower hit that part of the track. I am really disappointed and hope to make up for it next week in Malaysia.”

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release.

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Simoncelli on front row down under

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Team San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Marco Simoncelli will start from the front row for the first time in seven races tomorrow after setting the third fastest time on a cool and windy day at Phillip Island.

'Super Sic' will challenge Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo for victory tomorrow at his favourite circuit, despite suffering his third crash in as many sessions at turn ten this morning. Hiroshi Aoyama's session was cut short by a crash this afternoon, limiting him to twelfth place on the grid.

Marco Simoncelli: 

I am really happy because it has been a while since we started on the front row. We have been fast over the past two days although we have had a few crashes too. The day didn't start well because of the conditions, which were cold and windy, and that made it difficult. This afternoon we managed to do a better job and enjoyed an excellent qualifying session so my goal tomorrow is to push to the maximum from the start. Stoner looks untouchable at the moment but in racing you can never say never!”

Hiroshi Aoyama: 

”Unfortunately when I went out to improve my position on the starting grid I crashed at turn six and that compromised the whole session. It was a violent impact and I decided not to go back out because I didn't feel in the best shape. The cold and wind did not help us to work as we wanted today but even though I had more confidence yesterday the set-up is not bad. I hope the weather improves tomorrow so that I can have a good Grand Prix.”

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release.

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Simoncelli makes fine start in spite of spills, Aoyama also on form

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The weekend at Phillip Island could not have started out much better for Team San Carlo Honda Gresini, with Marco Simoncelli lapping third fastest this morning and then second fastest this afternoon behind home hero Casey Stoner.

Despite suffering two crashes in turn ten, Simoncelli showed just why this circuit is one of his favourites, finding confidence with the front and grip on the rear but with plenty of room sti ll to improve tomorrow. Hiroshi Aoyama also showed his best form today, lapping sixth fastest in the afternoon session to at least partly banish his disappointment from his home round at Motegi two weeks ago.

Marco Simoncelli: 

“I had two crashes in turn ten today, but luckily there was no damage to me or the bike. The track is wonderful, most definitely my favourite, but it is quite bumpy and it is easy to make a mistake and crash. It only takes a moment to find yourself on the floor so you have to stay focused at all times. Overall I am happy though because I was on the pace immediately this morning and improved in the afternoon. Now we need to make some small changes and try to find more grip on the rear and a bit more feeling for the front, even though it is already good. The two crashes were different - this morning I lost the front and in the afternoon I lost the rear - but each time I knew why it had happened and I was able to get straight back on the pace. I am happy and calm, hopefully tomorrow we can close the gap to Stoner.”

Hiroshi Aoyama: 

“It has been a positive start for us because this afternoon I was able to improve my lap time from the morning, which is important for us after the disappointment of my home Grand Prix at Motegi. The conditions today were good, but it wasn't easy out there and we had to give our best. There are a few areas for us to improve in but we are on the right track. I hope the weather tomorrow is similar and that we can challenge for a good position on the grid.”

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release.

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Aoyama 'maybe missing the required determination'

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Fausto Gresini has questioned wither his rider Hiroshi Aoyama has the "required determination" to succeed in MotoGP.

Former 250cc world champion Aoyama, yet to sign for 2012, starts this weekend's Australian Grand Prix holding tenth in the world championship, with a best finish of fourth in the wet Jerez race.

Aoyama, who unlike Honda Gresini team-mate Marco Simoncelli has a satellite spec RC212V, finished ninth in front of his home fans last time out at Motegi.

"I hope Phillip Island gives Hiroshi a chance to make up for his disappointment at Motegi, when he was unable to secure the result he was hoping for in front of his home crowd," said Gresini. "Hiroshi has the potential to be a leading rider in MotoGP but maybe he is missing the required determination.”

Aoyama admits he hasn't been able to show his 'true potential', but insists motivation is not an issue.

“I really wanted to score a positive result at my home grand prix but I didn't manage it," he said. "We had some grip problems that prevented me from being consistent in the race which was a real shame in front of my home fans. 

"Now we go to Phillip Island, a circuit I love as long as the weather isn't too cold. If the conditions are good I enjoy riding there and I particularly like the atmosphere in Australia. 

"I am desperate to have a full grand prix weekend where I show my true potential and hopefully along with the team we can create the right conditions to achieve it. We only have three races left so that is all the motivation we need.”

source: crash

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Simoncelli super charged for Phillip Island

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After a strong performance at Motegi, where he managed to finish fourth despite a ride- through penalty, Team San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Marco Simoncelli heads to Australia in high spirits.

In recent races, Simoncelli has discovered the consistency that he was missing at the start of the season and the Italian is ready to finish his campaign in style. The Australian circuit is a favourite of his, having won there in 2008 and 2009 onboard a 250cc. Simoncelli also qualified in fourth place in MotoGP last season in Australia.

   

Hiroshi Aoyama had a disappointing home race at Motegi, suffering grip problems in the race that prevented him from his exploiting his full potential. The Japanese rider is hoping for a turnaround in fortunes this weekend.

   

Marco Simoncelli:

“After a bittersweet Grand Prix at Motegi, I had the opportunity to test the RC213V, the bike I will be riding in Team San Carlo Honda Gresini colours next year. It was an amazing experience - 50 laps of pure adrenaline. The bike is so much fun and it keeps pulling in fifth and sixth gear. I gave some feedback to the HRC engineers that will hopefully be taken into consideration before the next test at Valencia. Before travelling down to Phillip Island I have had a short break in the Philippines, which gave me the opportunity to relax. Now I am feeling motivated and ready to fight again at Phillip Island. At Motegi I was able to see once again, that I can fight with the guys at the front and at a circuit where I won 250cc races in 2008 and 2009, I want to show it again. I was lacking some race consistency but we have addressed that and if it wasn't for the jump start at Motegi I would have been fighting for the podium, so that is something I want to make up for at Phillip Island.”

Hiroshi Aoyama:

”I really wanted to score a positive result at my home Grand Prix but I didn't manage it. We had some grip problems that prevented me from being consistent in the race, which was a real shame in front of my home fans. Now we go to Phillip Island, a circuit I love as long as the weather isn't too cold. If the conditions are good I enjoy riding there and I particularly like the atmosphere in Australia. I am desperate to have a full Grand Prix weekend where I show my true potential and hopefully along with the team, we can create the right conditions to achieve it. We only have three races left so that is all the motivation we need.”

Press release courtesy of San Carlo Honda Gresini

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Jump start hurts Simoncelli’s podium chance Sunday, 2 October 2011

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Marco Simoncelli was penalised with a ride through after jumping the start at Motegi on Sunday, costing him the chance to fight for the podium at the Grand Prix of Japan.

The opportunity slipped by although Simoncelli made a stunning charge back up to finish in fourth place. Hiroshi Aoyama's hopes of a good performance in his home Grand Prix were dashed with an inconsistent performance and a disappointing ninth place finish.

Marco Simoncelli: 

“I made a stupid mistake on the start line. The red light was slow to go out and out of the corner of my eye I saw Dovizioso move and let the clutch out just a tiny bit but enough to be given a ride-through penalty. You can't afford to make this kind of error. I am angry with myself and kicking myself especially after the race I put together following the penalty. Today could have been a great day for us, the podium was there for the taking and maybe even more than that. I had great fun on the last few laps with Dovizioso though – yet another battle between us – and I am happy to have beaten him. It was great!“

Hiroshi Aoyama: 

“It was a difficult race. Unfortunately I didn't have the grip to push as I wanted. Yesterday was much better and I am struggling to explain why it didn't happen today. It is very strange but the change in track temperature definitely didn't help because I am struggling for confidence in the front as it is. We will make up for it in the next race.”

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release.

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Simoncelli sixth in spite of a spill

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Despite a fall midway through qualifying, San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Marco Simoncelli still managed to score a second row start for the Grand Prix of Japan, while team-mate Hiroshi Aoyama starts from the fourth row.

A second fall over the Grand Prix of Japan weekend cost Marco Simoncelli precious time in qualifying this afternoon at Motegi. The “unplanned incident”caused the Italian to lose confidence as well as not allowing him to make a second run in qualifying with the softer tires. However, the sixth fastest time overall is enough for a second row start tomorrow and after showing good race pace Simoncelli remains optimistic about tomorrow.

Hiroshi Aoyama was hoping for better than eleventh place but once again the Japanese rider struggled for a one-off flying lap and is relying on his race pace to help him make up positions tomorrow.

Marco Simoncelli: 

I was going quite well up to the crash but unfortunately I made a little mistake in turn five, hit a bump and crashed, which compromised the second half of the session. I struggled a little for confidence when I went back out and only got to use one soft tyre. Without that I could have maybe been fighting for the front row but in any case I am happy because I have good race pace and hopefully tomorrow I can be fighting for the podium.”

Hiroshi Aoyama: 

The final position is not particularly pleasing but my feeling with the bike is good and so is my race pace so I am confident for tomorrow. I will try to start as well as possible and make up as many positions as I can. The weather could change tomorrow and the track temperature will definitely be lower so we might have to change the set-up but we have a clear idea which direction to take. I want to have a good race in my home Grand Prix and give my fans a positive result.”

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release.

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Aoyama appreciates MotoGP's Motegi decision

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Hiroshi Aoyama, the only full-time Japanese rider in the MotoGP World Championship, says he appreciates the decision to race at Motegi this weekend

Motegi is just over 110km from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant and some high-profile riders had been campaigning for the event to be cancelled. 

However, independent reports indicated only a negligible risk and the race looks set to go ahead with a full attendance of premier-class riders - plus two Honda wild-cards.

“For me it is important to be racing in Japan following the sad events of March and my people have handled this tragedy with great strength and courage," said Aoyama. 

"MotoGP has close ties with the Japanese people and for the Grand Prix to go ahead will strengthen this rapport. It hasn't been easy and I understand why but to have everybody coming to Motegi to race is a dream come true.”

Team manager Fausto Gresini added that the right decision had been made: 

“It has not been easy for anybody in MotoGP to take the decision to go and race at Motegi, but the Japanese people deserve that we all make maximum effort to make the Grand Prix go ahead following the tragedy of the 11th March.”

The Japanese GP was postponed from April due to the earthquake and tsunami.

source: crash

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Simoncelli takes top form to Japan as Aoyama hopes for successful home race

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It wasn't an easy decision for the MotoGP paddock to make, but this week they will arrive en masse at Motegi in Japan. For Marco Simoncelli the race is an opportunity to build on his fourth place at Aragon and continue a magical run of recent form whilst for Hiroshi Aoyama this is a chance to show his true potential at his home Grand Pix.

If it wasn't for some premature front tyre wear 'Super Sic' could have been fighting for the podium at Aragon and even though he didn't quite manage it he once again showed that he has the pace and the talent to be fighting at the front. Following a recent excursion in a Ford Fiesta WRC alongside Mikko Hirvonen, winner of the recent Rally of Australia, Simoncelli has the need for speed and is determined to score the podium he was so close to at both Misano and Aragon.

Hiroshi Aoyama continued to recover confidence with his bike at Aragon, bringing it home to a solid points finish with a consistent ride, raising hopes for his home Grand Prix. The Japanese rider is determined not to let the chance of showing his fans just what he is capable of in MotoGP pass him by.

Marco Simoncelli: 

“There is no bitterness over finishing fourth at Aragon even though looking back I know I could have been fighting for the podium. Unfortunately the front tyre wear let me down and even if I hadn't run wide I couldn't have passed Lorenzo because he was so much more consistent throughout the race. It is a shame but I have a chance to make up for it now at Motegi. I am happy with the set-up changes we made to the front end of the bike at Aragon in the warm-up and that gives me optimism for the future. Motegi is not one of my favourite circuits, it has some very hard braking and acceleration zones which is not really a good thing for me but I will try and adapt as best I can. The race didn't go too bad last year and I was able to fight with Colin Edwards for fifth place and in the 250 class I took the win in 2008 and pole position in both 2008 and 2009, so those things are in our favour. I took a little time out after Aragon to go to England and drive a Ford Fiesta WRC for two intense days alongside Mikko Hirvonen, who is a true legend on four wheels, and it was a great experience. He told me I did well and that I could have a future as a rally driver. We'll see!”

Hiroshi Aoyama: 

“I was half happy with the race at Aragon – satisfied that I was consistent t o the end and able to fight with Rossi and Crutchlow but disappointed with the final result, which could have been much better. Anyway, at least I was able to get a good feeling back with the bike and that gives me motivation for my home race. I will have a lot of my fans there at Motegi and I want to give them a good result. For me it is important to be racing in Japan following the sad events of March and my people have handled this tragedy with great strength and courage. MotoGP has close ties with the Japanese people and for the Grand Prix to go ahead will strengthen this rapport. It hasn't been easy and I understand why but to have everybody coming to Motegi to race is a dream come true.”

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release.

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Determined ride seals fourth for Simoncelli

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Marco Simoncelli faced a difficult task in today's race at Aragon from the moment his tyre performance began to drop after ten laps, up to which point “Super Sic” had put together what looked like a strong podium challenge. A subsequent mistake also hampered his cause but Marco was able to fight back and repeat his excellent result from Misano two weeks ago. Hiroshi Aoyama produced a stirring performance in hand to hand combat with Valentino Rossi and Cal Crutchlow, which should fill him with confidence ahead of his home round in Japan.

I am pleased with this result – we had to grit our teeth and I'm sure that even without the mistake I wouldn't have been challenging for the podium anyway. Lorenzo was faster than me on used tyres so no complaints there. I didn't get a great start but I managed to get into my rhythm quickly and make some passes to get up to third place. From the tenth lap onwards the tyres really dropped off and then again after another five laps, although Spies was in even worse shape than me so I was able to fight back to fourth.”

Marco Simoncelli: 

I am pleased with this result – we had to grit our teeth and I'm sure that even without the mistake I wouldn't have been challenging for the podium anyway. Lorenzo was faster than me on used tyres so no complaints there. I didn't get a great start but I managed to get into my rhythm quickly and make some passes to get up to third place. From the tenth lap onwards the tyres really dropped off and then again after another five laps, although Spies was in even worse shape than me so I was able to fight back to fourth.”

Hiroshi Aoyama: 

It was a nice race and a fun battle with Rossi and Crutchlow. The final position isn't great but I am happy with the way I rode in difficult conditions, with much less grip than yesterday which made it tough. Valentino, Cal and I passed each other a few times and it was great fun. Now I am hoping to put up a much stronger performance at our home GP.”

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release.

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Second and third row for Simoncelli and Aoyama at Aragón

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It was a positive session overall for the Italian rider, although there is still work to do if he is to stand any chance of chasing Stoner and Pedrosa at the front. There is no shortage of confidence in the team, with Aoyama qualifying in an encouraging ninth place.

Marco Simoncelli: 

“I’m sure I could have gone faster but on my best lap I was held up by Pedrosa, who had just come onto the track. It's a shame, and then I wasn't quite able to improve with the second soft tyre because of a couple of mistakes. The front two are a little far ahead at the moment, but with a couple of small changes we can be fighting for third place. We slightly improved the grip issues we encountered yesterday but I think this is a common problem from everybody. The thing that is setting us back the most at the moment is fuel consumption because of my size and we need to find something to reduce this problem for the race. I have faith in the guys and I am sure they will do a good job tomorrow.“

Hiroshi Aoyama: 

”I am happy with ninth place in qualifying because it represents our best grid position of the season. We improved the bike from this morning and had a good balance and feeling this afternoon. Obviously the race will be different to qualifying but I am confident it can be a good one for us. Now I just want to focus on the race and make the right choices together with the team, especially regarding the predicted lower track temperatures.”

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release.

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